Safes come in a variety of shapes and sizes with different types of locking mechanisms that are designed to suit a variety of purposes. Choosing between an Electronic or Combination Dial Lock is a matter of personal preference. Most manufacturers offer a choice between a Dial or E-Lock for most of their safes. The Security of a Lock has more to do with its Security Rating and most Dial & E-locks offer both Group II or Group I.
Electronic Lock
Pros:
- Quick and easy access
- Change the combination at any time
- Illumination is easier to see in low or no light
- Automatically locking Door
Cons:
- Possibility of electronic failure but very rare
- Must change the combination regularly to prevent wearing down frequently used numbers on the key pad
- Must change the batteries (about once a year)
- Shorter life span (lock lasts about 10-15 years)
Combination Dial Lock
Pros:
- No electronic parts to go bad
- No batteries to replace
- The locks are typically more durable & last longer
Cons:
- Requires turning the dial back and forth
- Must land on the numbers exactly
- More difficult to see the numbers in low light
- The door doesn’t auto-lock when closed (you must spin the dial to lock)
What if the battery dies on my E-Lock?
You can replace the battery in the Key Pad without opening the safe. Additionally, most e-locks have a low battery alert to notify you when the battery gets low.
Can I change the combination on my Dial Lock?
Not usually, combination dial locks come with factory pre-set combinations. In some cases combination can be changed by a certified locksmith.
What is the “LOCKOUT” feature on E-Locks?
Most E-Locks have an automatic lock-out feature that disables the lock for a period of time (usually 15 to 20 minutes) if someone enters three or four incorrect combinations consecutively. This helps prevent a would-be thief from entering several different combinations in a short time.